Patent GB-253656-A (GB)
Title: An improved coin-controlled apparatus for receiving written messages and holding them for subsequent automatic delivery upon the insertion of a coin
IPC: G07F17/40
Filed: 1925-04-14
Abstract: 253,656. Falconer, E. A. April 14, 1925. Exhibiting messages and the like; delivery of articles stored in separate compartments; coin action, thrust.-Relates to a coin or token controlled apparatus for receiving written messages and holding them for subsequent automatic delivery of the kind in which, upon the insertion of a coin, a card is delivered for receiving a written message, the card being then placed in one of a number of receptacles each of which has a coincontrolled hinged window or guard for exposing the name of the intended recipient who can obtain the card after the insertion of a coin. According to the invention the message card is retained in an horizontal slot in the apparatus by a coincontrolled window, the card being shaped to cooperate with mechanism connected with the window that only by the insertion of a proper card can the window be closed and automatically locked. By inserting a coin in a slot f<2>, Fig. 1. and pulling a knob f<1> a card is delivered through a slot f. A table b, provided for writing a message on, has slots b<1> for bending the card at the end bearing the name of the intended recipient. A pencil sharpener d and blotter slots c are provided on the front of the apparatus. The card m is then inserted through a horizontal slot m, Fig. 8, behind a retaining window e in guideways m<1> having friction springs w so that its bent end can be seen through the window when this is closed and automatically locked. The window has at the top two hinge lugs g, Fig. 6, hinged to plungers h working in guide tubes and pressed outwards by springs h<2>. Stop screws h<3> limit the outward movement and the window is held in its open position in such a position that it can turn on the hinges by two catches u engaging behind the screws h<3>. When the proper card is pushed in, it acts on a lever v which through links v<1>, v<2> withdraws the catches allowing the window to be closed and locked. It is locked by a pair of catch levers i engaging the plungers h and by a catch k engaging a notched stud. To obtain the message a coin is inserted in a slot e<1> and, when it is being pushed in, it moves apart two levers n, o, Fig. 6, against the action of a spring p. A tail n<2> on the lever n moves a trigger g to engage the tail o<2> of the lever o and disengages a slot on the trigger from a pin r' on a hammer r. When the coin is pushed past the levers n, o, the lever n under the action of the spring p strikes the hammer r which actuates a lever t carrying arms t<2>, t<3> for releasing the catches i, k respectively. The tail piece n<2> also resets the trigger q in normal position. Delivery of articles stored in piles.-The blank cards are stored in a pile in a magazine x, Fig. 3, and are delivered one at a time from the bottom of the pile by a pusher carried by a draw-rod y<2> attached to the knob f<1>. The draw-rod is normally locked by a lever engaging a notch thereon, this lever being connected to a link y which is actuated by the hammer r of a coin-freed mechanism similar to that for releasing a window e.